2009 Outlook

 

The Griffins enter the 2009 season with the goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament after a deep run into the conference playoffs last season which propelled the squad to a CSAC Championship Game appearance. Despite the turnover of three seniors from last year's team, the Griffins have twelve returning players and ten incoming freshmen competing for starting positions all over the field. Once again, this healthy competitive scenario offers the coaching staff many game-to-game player rotation opportunities.

From a defensive point of view, the Griffins lone senior, Kerrin Doran will anchor and marshal the back line with the primary objective of reducing opponent scoring chances to a minimum. Junior Kristie Pollock, a two-time all-conference pick at goalkeeper, returns as well as sophomore Abby Reed who is expected to continue competing for this position throughout the season. Sophomore Melissa Maguire also returns and will play a big role in the defense. Freshmen Justine Bednarz, Alanna Campbell, Christine Celenza and Megan Howe are expected to provide additional strength to the Griffin’s defense.

On the goal scoring front, CSAC Rookie of the Year, Gwen Conte, returns in good form and is focused on improving upon last year’s team-leading 36- point campaign (14 goals, 8 assists). Juniors Maria Bailey and Kelly Suplick have both returned and are ready to push their way into a midfield positions providing additional firepower on offense. The Griffins expect sophomores Kasey Reid and Kirstyn Varas to play significant roles throughout the season in midfield and attacking positions. Expected to make their scoring mark early and often are freshmen Meghan Bojanowski and Christine Michalski. Other promising freshmen expected to score goals and be solid contributors are Sarah Cayer, Morgan Hudson, and Alexa Kajkowski.

Players to watch will be junior Sarah Heinz (Forward), Sophomores Kaitlyn Brassell (Midfield) and Amelia Garris (Forward), and Freshman Kelsey Blong (Defense).

We look toward and expect our tri-captains Kerrin Doran, Kristie Pollock and Gwen Conte to demonstrate strong leadership, reflect a positive attitude and promote teamwork throughout the entire year.

Critical to achieving a strong winning mentality will be the ability for all players and coaching staff to continue to work together to achieve team unity. Building and learning from last years success is essential for the program moving forward. We all believe that “Together Everyone Achieves More” defines what our TEAM represents.

 

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